Academies Bill receives second reading
8 June 2010 (updated on 8 June 2010)
The Academies Bill received its second reading – a general debate on all aspects of the Bill – in the House of Lords on 7 June.
Lord Hill of Oareford, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education, introduced the debate.
The Bill introduces measures to make it possible for more government funded schools to become academies.
Issues discussed during the second reading included improving performance in failing schools, provision for pupils with special education needs, schools’ admissions policies, vocational education, the national curriculum in faith schools, parental and local consultation on a school becoming an academy, and the impact of academies on neighbouring schools.
No date has yet been scheduled for the committee stage, allowing detailed examination of the Bill.
Further information
The second reading of the Bill usually takes place two weeks after the first reading. The government Minister or a senior spokesperson in the Lords for the government department responsible for the Bill opens the debate. Second reading provides the first opportunity for Members of the Lords to discuss the purpose of a Bill and its main principles.